Correctional Service of Canada: Update: Inmate Death and Lockdown at Edmonton Institution

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 28, 2011) - At approximately 2110 hours on February 26, 2011, Edmonton Institution was placed on a general lockdown following the suspicious death of an inmate. Correctional Officers responded to an emergency call activated from within the inmate's single accommodation cell. The inmate was discovered in medical distress. Correctional Officers administered CPR. He was later transported to outside hospital. The deceased is 45 year old Gyozo BARASSO. He was serving a four year, two month sentence for Robbery – All Others (x2), Assault with a Weapon, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

Edmonton Institution remains on lockdown until institutional management determine it is safe to resume normal operations. All visits for inmates have been cancelled until further notice. Edmonton City Police continue to investigate.

As in all cases where an individual dies in custody, the coroner's office has been notified. The Correctional Service of Canada will also conduct a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.